England is the world's 6th biggest tourist destination , with 24.8 million visiting in 2003. Nevertheless, the number of travellers originating from Europe is larger than those travelling from North America - 21.5 million compared to 3.5 million American/Canadian visitors. One of the biggest clichés about England is the weather, most outsiders and indeed the majority of inhabitants will cite the predominantly wet, dreary atmosphere that envelops the country for nine months of the year. What is impressive is that despite this, millions upon millions of tourists visit the small island nation every year, arriving in their droves to marvel at the ancient yet cutting edge city of London, the rolling green pastures, and hundreds of other tourist attractions like Stonehenge, the Eden Project, Lindisfarne Castle and Old Trafford football stadium, home of Manchester United FC.
1 A Little Bit About It
Stonehenge
These are no doubt impressive sites but there is something else worth seing, something so intangible, magical that draws people from thousands of miles away to England’s fair shores. It is this intrinsic sense of decency and respect for others that means Britain has such an inclusive, democratic and diverse society. One of the first things tourists notice about Britain, particularly in big cities, is how diverse the population is. People of different nationalities, colours, preferences and creed live and work alongside one another creating an infectious cultural melting pot that influences everything from music to fashion to food. It is this level of diversity that makes the country such a refreshing, interesting place to visit; fancy some Bangladeshi cuisine in deepest rural Sussex, you got it! Of course the one thing that makes England stand out from its European cousins and indeed almost ever other country in the world is its illustrious history, but more so the fact that many of the remnants and artifacts from the country’s empirical past remain. Ancient castles dating back hundreds of years are dotted across the landscape, many of them expertly preserved and converted i
London Bridge
nto museums that document this history in an informative and compelling fashion. Influences from more recent historical periods are evident in the residential architecture; Do yourself a favour and visit a traditional English public house.There are so many reasons to love England, and for some tourists, they are enough to lure them into making England their home which leads me finally onto my main point: what’s my favourite thing about England? It may seem boring since I’ve been harping on about the magic of the place and the hospitality of its inhabitants, but my favourite thing about this country is its size. I’d describe England as compact rather than small, an apt term when you consider that so much culture and history is compacted into the island nation. Being relatively compact means it’s fairly easy to get from one side of the country to the other. This makes visiting relatives and friends, attending national sports events, commuting to work and generally being able to see different parts of the country far less painful than a country like the U.S, where driving from end to end takes several days.
2 Top Ten Things Everyone Must See and Do when visiting England
2.1 South East
2.1.1 Canterbury
Rich in history, legend and significance; centuries of deep spirituality is woven into the very fabric of the stone, and its presence is tangible. Learn the story of Thomas Becket and see the Sword’s Point, fantasize about Canterbury pilgrims, and wander through the charming town. If you are an Episcopalian, pay your respects to the Chair of St. Augustine, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. On the way from here to Stonehenge: Visit Arundel Castle.
2.2 South West
2.2.1 Stonehenge
There are other older and larger monuments, but none quite so evocative. Fences keep you at a distance, but it’s still impressive. If you’d rather get closer to the stones, visit nearby Avebury, where you can walk up and touch them. If you really love these ancient monuments, arrange several days in Cornwall where there are dozens. Nearby: Visit beautiful Salisbury Cathedral and ancientWinchester; pay respects to bones of Saxon kings, admire Roman artifacts.
2.2.2 Glastonbury
This is THE destination for fans of King Arthur, as well as spirituality buffs. Tour Glastonbury Abbey, rich in myth and legend; see the Glastonbury Thorn (supposedly planted by Joseph of Arimathea), and various King Arthur sites. Fantasize about Camelot and Avalon, and ancient Christianity (“And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England’s mountain green?”). Nearby: Visit Wells Cathedral and the caves and attractions at Wookey Hole (especially if traveling with children). See cheese being made at Chewton Mendip or Cheddar (where there are also spectacular caves). Sample local cheese and cider. Visit Bath for its Roman history. Hop across to Wales to visit Tintern Abbey; take the excellent audio tour to understand why Henry VIII had to dissolve the monasteries.
2.3 Midlands
2.3.1 Cotswolds
Take a meandering drive through the picture-book perfect hills. Get off the beaten path into small villages and green valleys. Stay in a thatched-roof cottage B+B. Most people agree this is the most beautiful part of England, and there are numerous sights in the vicinity. Caution: crowded with tourists in summer. Nearby: for china & porcelain, visit Wedgewood or Royal Worcester, inspiring Coventry Cathedral, Warwick Castle (good for kids), Oxford. (Skip Stratford-upon-Avon.)
2.3.2 Cambridge
Must do: go to Evensong at King’s College Chapel. Have tea at Auntie’s Tea Shoppe on St. Mary’s Passage. Ride in a punt on the River Cam.
2.4 London
2.4.1 Westminster Abbey
In the way there, walk by Big Ben and Parliament (open for tours only in August-September). At the Abbey, take the “super tour” to see where British monarchs are crowned. Pay respects to the many famous people buried here. Stay for Evensong. Plan half a day (plus Evensong). Saturday and Sunday evensongs generally have the best music.
On a different afternoon, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral: take a tour, climb the dome if you are energetic, pay respects to John Donne, Christopher Wren and the Duke of Wellington, and stay for Evensong. Plan half a day here too (plus Evensong).
2.4.2 Tower of London
Take a tour and line up to see the crown jewels. Next to Westminster Abbey, this is the best history tour in London. Plan half a day.
Have a pint in a good local pub. Sample several pints in several pubs.
2.5.2 Tea
Try different kinds of afternoon tea. Dress-up formal tea in a London hotel with fancy cakes and sandwiches. Cream tea in a quaint tea room with scones, jam and cream. Farmhouse tea in the countryside with unique home-baked treats. High tea in the north with hearty fare.
3 London
3.1 General
When visiting England the first place people love to see is the country‘s capital London, London is a leading global city, with strengths in the arts, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport all contributing to its prominence. It is the world's leading financial centre alongside New York city and Tokyo and has the fifth-largest metropolitan area GDP in the world (and the largest in Europe). London has been described as a world cultural capital. It has the third most international visitors in the world and London Heathrow is the world's busiest airport by number of international passengers . London's 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education in Europe. In 2012 London will become the first city to host the modern Summer Olympic Games three times. When visiting London the first thing that people realize is that London is a very expensive place to live and shop the British currency which is in pound (1 British pound=1.57 Canadian Dollar).The best way to travel in England is at the center of the British rail network, with London as its hub. Very frequent service, combined with relatively high-speed travel, makes it an easy country to roam. And, since reservations are not required on British trains, you can board any train as long as you have a valid ticket or pass. England’s main cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham) are well connected to each other, and to sister cities in Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow) and Wales (Cardiff, Chester).The two most popular place to visit when you're in London is the London Eye which is a giant Ferris wheel and the British Museum
3.2 The London Eye
London Eye
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames , in London, England . The entire structure is 135 metres (443 ft) tall and the wheel has a diameter of 120 metres (394 ft).It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe , and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom , visited by over 3.5 million people annually. When erected in 1999, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, until surpassed first by the 160 m (520 ft) star of Nanchang in 2006, and then the 165 m (541 ft) Singapore Flyer in 2008. It is still described by its operators as "the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel" (as the wheel is supported by an A-frame on one side only, unlike the Nanchang and Singapore wheels)
3.3 The British Museum
British Museum
The British Museum, in London , is widely considered to be one of the world's greatest museums of human history and culture. Its permanent collection, numbering some eight million works, is amongst the finest, most comprehensive, and largest in existence and originates from all continents, illustrating and the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. The British Museum was established in 1753, largely based on the collections of the physician and scientist Sir Hans sloane . The museum first opened to the public on 15 January 1759 in Montagu House in Bloomsbury, on the site of the current museum building. Its expansion over the following two and a half centuries was largely a result of an expanding British colonial footprint and has resulted in the creation of several branch institutions, the first being the British Museum (Natural History) in South Kensington in 1887. Some objects in the collection, most notably the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, are the objects of intense controversy and of calls for restitution to their countries of origin.
England
Table of Contents
England is the world's 6th biggest tourist destination , with 24.8 million visiting in 2003. Nevertheless, the number of travellers originating from Europe is larger than those travelling from North America - 21.5 million compared to 3.5 million American/Canadian visitors. One of the biggest clichés about England is the weather, most outsiders and indeed the majority of inhabitants will cite the predominantly wet, dreary atmosphere that envelops the country for nine months of the year. What is impressive is that despite this, millions upon millions of tourists visit the small island nation every year, arriving in their droves to marvel at the ancient yet cutting edge city of London, the rolling green pastures, and hundreds of other tourist attractions like Stonehenge, the Eden Project, Lindisfarne Castle and Old Trafford football stadium, home of Manchester United FC.
1 A Little Bit About It
2 Top Ten Things Everyone Must See and Do when visiting England
2.1 South East
2.1.1 Canterbury
Rich in history, legend and significance; centuries of deep spirituality is woven into the very fabric of the stone, and its presence is tangible. Learn the story of Thomas Becket and see the Sword’s Point, fantasize about Canterbury pilgrims, and wander through the charming town. If you are an Episcopalian, pay your respects to the Chair of St. Augustine, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. On the way from here to Stonehenge: Visit Arundel Castle.
2.2 South West
2.2.1 Stonehenge
There are other older and larger monuments, but none quite so evocative. Fences keep you at a distance, but it’s still impressive. If you’d rather get closer to the stones, visit nearby Avebury, where you can walk up and touch them. If you really love these ancient monuments, arrange several days in Cornwall where there are dozens. Nearby: Visit beautiful Salisbury Cathedral and ancientWinchester; pay respects to bones of Saxon kings, admire Roman artifacts.
2.2.2 Glastonbury
This is THE destination for fans of King Arthur, as well as spirituality buffs. Tour Glastonbury Abbey, rich in myth and legend; see the Glastonbury Thorn (supposedly planted by Joseph of Arimathea), and various King Arthur sites. Fantasize about Camelot and Avalon, and ancient Christianity (“And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England’s mountain green?”). Nearby: Visit Wells Cathedral and the caves and attractions at Wookey Hole (especially if traveling with children). See cheese being made at Chewton Mendip or Cheddar (where there are also spectacular caves). Sample local cheese and cider. Visit Bath for its Roman history. Hop across to Wales to visit Tintern Abbey; take the excellent audio tour to understand why Henry VIII had to dissolve the monasteries.
2.3 Midlands
2.3.1 Cotswolds
Take a meandering drive through the picture-book perfect hills. Get off the beaten path into small villages and green valleys. Stay in a thatched-roof cottage B+B. Most people agree this is the most beautiful part of England, and there are numerous sights in the vicinity. Caution: crowded with tourists in summer. Nearby: for china & porcelain, visit Wedgewood or Royal Worcester, inspiring Coventry Cathedral, Warwick Castle (good for kids), Oxford. (Skip Stratford-upon-Avon.)
2.3.2 Cambridge
Must do: go to Evensong at King’s College Chapel. Have tea at Auntie’s Tea Shoppe on St. Mary’s Passage. Ride in a punt on the River Cam.
2.4 London
2.4.1 Westminster Abbey
In the way there, walk by Big Ben and Parliament (open for tours only in August-September). At the Abbey, take the “super tour” to see where British monarchs are crowned. Pay respects to the many famous people buried here. Stay for Evensong. Plan half a day (plus Evensong). Saturday and Sunday evensongs generally have the best music.
On a different afternoon, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral: take a tour, climb the dome if you are energetic, pay respects to John Donne, Christopher Wren and the Duke of Wellington, and stay for Evensong. Plan half a day here too (plus Evensong).
2.4.2 Tower of London
Take a tour and line up to see the crown jewels. Next to Westminster Abbey, this is the best history tour in London. Plan half a day.
2.4.3 Double-decker bus
Take a double-decker bus tour to at least drive by other notable sights if you are foot-weary or short on time. There are also lots of interesting guided walking tours. Consult your guide book. Worth visiting: the open market at Covent Garden,Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the British Museum, Harrods, and the Dickens Museum. In the evening, the theater is a must. Take a tour of Buckingham Palaceif it’s open (limited times during the year). And most people like to shop, shop, shop. If you have an extra day, a nice outing is to take a boat cruise down the Thames to Kew Gardens and/or Hampton Court. It is an all-day activity, but a pleasant change of pace if you have time.
2.5 Anywhere
2.5.1 Drink
Have a pint in a good local pub. Sample several pints in several pubs.
2.5.2 Tea
Try different kinds of afternoon tea. Dress-up formal tea in a London hotel with fancy cakes and sandwiches. Cream tea in a quaint tea room with scones, jam and cream. Farmhouse tea in the countryside with unique home-baked treats. High tea in the north with hearty fare.
3 London
3.1 General
When visiting England the first place people love to see is the country‘s capital London, London is a leading global city, with strengths in the arts, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport all contributing to its prominence. It is the world's leading financial centre alongside New York city and Tokyo and has the fifth-largest metropolitan area GDP in the world (and the largest in Europe). London has been described as a world cultural capital. It has the third most international visitors in the world and London Heathrow is the world's busiest airport by number of international passengers . London's 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education in Europe. In 2012 London will become the first city to host the modern Summer Olympic Games three times. When visiting London the first thing that people realize is that London is a very expensive place to live and shop the British currency which is in pound (1 British pound=1.57 Canadian Dollar).The best way to travel in England is at the center of the British rail network, with London as its hub. Very frequent service, combined with relatively high-speed travel, makes it an easy country to roam. And, since reservations are not required on British trains, you can board any train as long as you have a valid ticket or pass. England’s main cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham) are well connected to each other, and to sister cities in Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow) and Wales (Cardiff, Chester).The two most popular place to visit when you're in London is the London Eye which is a giant Ferris wheel and the British Museum
3.2 The London Eye
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames , in London, England . The entire structure is 135 metres (443 ft) tall and the wheel has a diameter of 120 metres (394 ft).It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe , and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom , visited by over 3.5 million people annually. When erected in 1999, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, until surpassed first by the 160 m (520 ft) star of Nanchang in 2006, and then the 165 m (541 ft) Singapore Flyer in 2008. It is still described by its operators as "the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel" (as the wheel is supported by an A-frame on one side only, unlike the Nanchang and Singapore wheels)
3.3 The British Museum
The British Museum, in London , is widely considered to be one of the world's greatest museums of human history and culture. Its permanent collection, numbering some eight million works, is amongst the finest, most comprehensive, and largest in existence and originates from all continents, illustrating and the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. The British Museum was established in 1753, largely based on the collections of the physician and scientist Sir Hans sloane . The museum first opened to the public on 15 January 1759 in Montagu House in Bloomsbury, on the site of the current museum building. Its expansion over the following two and a half centuries was largely a result of an expanding British colonial footprint and has resulted in the creation of several branch institutions, the first being the British Museum (Natural History) in South Kensington in 1887. Some objects in the collection, most notably the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, are the objects of intense controversy and of calls for restitution to their countries of origin.
4 Reference
(1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16ztSXkbquo&feature=related (21/03/2012)(2) http://www.britainunlimited.com/Pages/British%20Museum.htm(21/03/2012)
(3) http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/britain/england_facts.htm(21/03/2012)
(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London#Tourism(20/03/2012)
(5) http://www.myenglandtravel.com/london-eye.html(20/03/2012)
(6) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_England#Cultural_and_heritage_tourism(20/03/2012)
(7) http://www.palacity.net/angleterre/visite-angleterre.htm(18/03/2012)
(8) http://www.wiltshiretouristguide.com/Articles/Article_30.asp(18/03/2012)
(9) http://opentravel.com/Things-To-Do-In-England-Attractions(18/03/2012)
(10)http://www.metanoia.org/england/sights.htm(18/03/2012)
(11) http://www.flybe.com/destinations/London.htm(18/03/2012)